We’ve all heard of UAVs. Over in Iraq they have played a huge helping role to US troops. Lesser known is their benefits to scientists exploring ocean life, and the Antarctic. More recently they have begun to show up in the news as ways to patrol the US/Mexico border and the city of Miami.
UAVs have been used along the US Mexico border and are soon to join the Miami police. ( pending FAA approval ) One of the problems we’ve had with Predators used along the border is crashes. FAA approval will depend on whether Miami’s police can convince the FAA they won’t be dropping UAVs on grandma’s car.
A more troubling question that we will have to answer if we allow UAVs over US cities is do we want our police to have weapon laden UAVs? The ones in Miami do not have weapons now but it is just a matter of time before some one finds a good reason to blow up several blocks in a US city. And it is far more likely to be our own guys than any terrorist.
Miami police could soon be the first in the United States to use cutting-edge, spy-in-the-sky technology to beef up their fight against crime.
A small pilotless drone manufactured by Honeywell International (HON.N), capable of hovering and “staring” using electro-optic or infrared sensors, is expected to make its debut soon in the skies over the Florida Everglades.
If use of the drone wins Federal Aviation Administration approval after tests, the Miami-Dade Police Department will start flying the 14-pound (6.3 kg) drone over urban areas with an eye toward full-fledged employment in crime fighting.
“Our intentions are to use it only in tactical situations as an extra set of eyes,” said police department spokesman Juan Villalba.
“We intend to use this to benefit us in carrying out our mission,” he added, saying the wingless Honeywell aircraft, which fits into a backpack and is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, seems ideally suited for use by SWAT teams in hostage situations or dealing with “barricaded subjects.” . . . [ read more Spy in the sky drone sets sights on Miami
More information:
PaparazzI The Free Autopilot, open source auto pilot software
DIY Drones ( in case you want to build your own )
Giz Mag: UAV news
See also:
Powerline urban sentry finds a hack around battery problems
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